2015 YOUTH LEADERS

The 2015 climb was aimed at highlighting how boxing and martial arts can engage young women and men at-risk of falling into criminal activities and assisting them in becoming positive and constructive role models in their respective communities. To do so, KI is partnered with award-winning sport-based organization Fight For Peace (FFP), which developed a boxing and mentoring program at its academies located in the Complexo de Mare favela in Rio de Janeiro; and in North Woolwich in London. The climb will included five young women and five young women from the boxing community in Kenya, Tanzania, the UK and USA. Together, with youth at the forefront, we were able to demonstrate how with teamwork and perseverance we could reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro and fight for better and safer communities, by using peaceful means.

Our Team

Arnold Sosa

I started Jiu-jitsu at the Mary Mitchell Center in the Bronx, NY, when I was just eleven years old. I now go to college and I am an instructor at the center. Martial arts have helped me become a more rational person and I have gained leadership skills that I apply to other tasks – it has helped my focus in terms of academics and physical health. I am eager to share the experiences I gain at the KI training camp and during the climb with other young people at the center, and learn more about other cultures and people. I expect this to be a once in a life time experience and I want to keep in touch with other people on the trip.

Arnold SosaMary Mitchel Center2015 Youth Leader

Anthony Pegues

I am a member of Champs Boxing Club in New Rochelle, NY. I am a two-time winner of New York’s Golden Gloves tournament. The training camp and climb of Mount Kilimanjaro will be the most exciting experience I have ever had in my life. The opportunity to visit countries like Kenya and Tanzania was something I thought would only be possible in my dreams. I would be able to tell my kids and keep the memory forever – this trip would be everything for me.

Anthony PeguesChamps Boxing Gym2015 Youth Leader

Adina Farrell

I have just started college and I am a student instructor at the Mary Mitchell Center which serves the Crotona Community in the Bronx, New York. Crotona is in the poorest congressional district in the USA, and there are gangs and violence on the streets. I became engaged with the center when I took part in their Fight Back Jiu-jitsu program. After many years of hard work, I am now a fourth degree black belt and have been induced in their hall of fame. I am sure other people taking part in the climb will have similar experiences and we can learn from each other. This climb will give me new perspectives and an experience I can bring back to the Bronx.